Tectonic shifts are active in the Reykjanes region.
4,000 residents evacuated, nearby famous tourist hot springs closed
Hagafell volcano in southwestern Iceland, which had recently shown signs of continuous eruptions, has begun erupting.
Foreign media such as the Guardian reported that on the 18th (local time), a series of earthquakes occurred at Hagafell Volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, followed by an eruption at 10:17 p.m., prompting the government to evacuate nearby residents and prevent disaster. They said an alert had been issued.
Relevant authorities evacuated about 4,000 residents of Grindavik, a fishing village near the volcano, and suspended the operation of the Blue Lagoon Spa, a famous hot spring nearby.
There are a total of 33 active volcanoes in Iceland, the most in the world. Among these, the Reykjanes region, southwest of the capital Reykjavik, is a place where tectonic changes such as volcanoes and earthquakes are active. Volcanoes have erupted several times on the Reykjanes Peninsula in recent years, but no casualties have occurred so far.
However, experts explain that there are concerns about damage to residents as the eruption point of Hagapell Volcano is close to the village of Grindavik. The government is considering a plan to minimize damage from lava eruptions by spraying water on the volcano.
Since last month, hundreds of earthquakes have occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula every day, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. Damage continued, including roads sinking and household property being damaged, and the police issued a danger warning.
The Blue Lagoon hot springs, a famous tourist attraction in Iceland, suspended operations on the 9th of last month due to the possibility of consecutive earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Despite the risk of disaster, the hotel confirmed its reopening on the 18th of this month, but the volcano erupted a day later and business was postponed indefinitely again.
However, it was announced that Keflavik International Airport near Reykjavik plans to operate normally.
Local police will decide whether to lift the evacuation order based on the risk assessment that the Norwegian Meteorological Agency will announce on the 20th.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.